Hatteras GT45X Open (2020-)

Brief Summary

Hatteras Yachts is making their 45' (13.72 m) sportfish available in an open model. The original Express series coupe first appeared in 2016, and the Tower and Flybridge models followed. The new Open has an optional tower, essentially providing a hardtop above but not connected to the windshield. The Hatteras GT45X Open, the brand’s newest inception in the GT lineup, is a sub-50 footer that can do big boat things, like fish offshore or cruise along the coast.

Key Features

• Fit out for fishing
• Sleeps 2 or 4 with optional second cabin
• Full galley
• Standard twin Cat C-12.9 diesel engines
• Mezzanine seating
• Enclosed head with standup shower stall

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	44' 7" 13.59 m
Beam	16' 6'' 5.02 m
Dry Weight	44,070 lbs. 19,990 kg
Tested Weight	49,700 lbs. 22,544 kg
Draft	4'' .10 m
Max Headroom	6' 5" 1.95 m
Fuel Capacity	800 gallons 3,028 L
Water Capacity	100 gallons 379 L
Total Weight	49,700 lbs. 22,544 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Props	Michigan Wheel
Load	4 persons, full fuel, 5/100 water, 50 lbs. of gear
Climate	78 deg., 91 humid; wind: 5-10 mph; seas: 3

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 985-hp Cat C-12.9
Std. Power	2 x 838-hp Caterpillar C-12.9 diesels
Opt. Power	2 x 985-hp Caterpillar C-12.9 diesels

by Capt. Peter d’Anjou

Mission

Since Hatteras was bought in 2013 by Navis HCY Acquisition LLC, they have continued to grow both the GT Sportfish line and their lines of large motoryachts. Today, we find Hatteras offering four versatile mid-size Sportfish models in their Express Series lineup for those trading up from other brands who want the build quality, rugged construction and prestige of the Hatteras brand — as well as for those trading down from larger convertibles or motoryachts. The mission of the GT45X Open is that of a well-equipped offshore fishing vessel and a comfortable overnight/weekend cruiser.

Distinguishing Features

• Large pane glass windshield

Major Features

• Prepped for Twin SeaKeeper 6 Gyro Stabilizers
• Cummins Onan 17kW Diesel generator
• Palm Beach helm
• Optional tower with outriggers and tower helm

Design

BoatTEST has tested and inspected the Express Series thoroughly with reviews in 2016 (Express), 2018 (Fly), and 2020 (Open), with various engine packages and configurations. All our test captains have come away impressed with the boats’ sea-keeping and handling characteristics. 

The original GT45 was developed by Hatteras with influence from the Cabo 44. All four Hatteras GT45X models are built on the same hull and have additional structural requirements in place to support a pair of Seakeeper 6 gyros. All GT45X models come standard with the same power, a pair of 835-hp Cat C-12.9 diesel engines, and have the option to upgrade to twin CAT C-12.9 985-hp engines.

The Express Series lineup is pictured below.

Construction

The GT45X Open has solid fiberglass below the waterline. An integral stringer system stiffens the painted hull.

Boat Inspection

Cockpit

We begin at the usual point of boarding — the aft cockpit. The GT45X Open has a 13’4” x 8’1” (4.06 m x 2.46 m) cockpit and we see this as a place of action. Fishermen typically opt for the battle saddle or a straight rocket launcher for standup fish-fighting. For those desiring a fighting chair, Hatteras has preinstalled a backing plate into the deck.

The caprails and coaming boards have optional unfinished teak covers. The gunwale height is 2’5” (0.74 m) with two built-in rod holders on either side plus a chafe guard in each corner leading to 12" (30.47 cm) cleats. Directly aft is the built-in transom livewell, complete with an optional window. Off to starboard is the fish/dive door.

Mezzanine Seating

There are three rocket launchers on each tower ladder and six more welded to the crossbar between them.

Deck Lighting

Lower Helm

A magnetic compass is mounted on the boat’s centerline in front of the wheel. Two 17” (43.18 cm) Garmin displays dominate the dash. Below the left display are the Garmin autopilot, Zipwake trim tabs, and CAT engine station control. On the flat next to the teak helm box is the bow thruster control. Left of the MFDs are stacked VHF radios over the Hatteras Alarm panel. A Fusion stereo head, Furuno radar controls just above, a spotlight plug-in, and fuel gauges just below complete the dash.

Engine start/stop switches, the windlass, horn, and bilge controls are conveniently available on the engraved plate beneath the wheel. In addition, both port and starboard CAT engine monitor controls are located here. Off to either side are the engine throttle controls. Two VHF radio mics hang just below each throttle arm.

Both of the GT’s helm chairs are adjustable, and when slid back the captain’s chair is 17” (43.18 cm) from the helm. Both are outfitted with flip-down armrests and a flip-down footrest. There’s a grab handle and storage just forward of the companion chair.

The standard starboard-side entry from the cockpit allows for an L-shaped settee 6’3” (1.91 m) wide by 7’9” (2.36 m) long. There’s storage beneath the seating.

Upper Helm

Accessible via two fixed ladders to port and starboard, the tower helm includes binnacles to starboard. The autopilot, Garmin display and forward-mounted compass are all within reach.

Engine Room

We found it best to back down the engine room’s entrance ladder. Off to either side are the twin 985-hp CAT C-12.9 diesel engines.

Both of the CAT’s oil dipsticks are accessible from the center passage. Local controls are at each engine. Both of the CAT’s main raw-water seacocks are located abaft the ladder, and engine sea strainers are close by.

There’s a center bilge pump with float switch and high-water alarm at the foot of the ladder. A Cummins Onan generator is located behind the ladder. And directly forward and mounted to the forward bulkhead are the GT’s main 24-volt DC battery switches.

Side Decks/Bow/Ground Tackle

The 10” (25.40 cm) wide side decks have grab handles that tie into the GT’s tower. The bow railing begins amidships and tops out at 26” (66.04 cm) high.

The GT is outfitted with a Maxwell windlass leading to a Danforth anchor. The anchor is run through an anchor shoot. In addition, there are two 10” (25.40 cm) stainless steel cleats on either side of the bow, and an additional tie-off cleat to center.

Galley

Moving forward through the GT’s lower helm area, we enter the 2’ wide (0.61 m) companionway and once inside are met with 6’5” (1.95 m) headroom and the warm walnut-stained wood tones of the galley. 

The L-shaped galley has cabinet storage above and below the granite countertops. A microwave and a two-drawer refrigerator/freezer are just ahead of the companionway, while the stainless steel sink and two-burner electric cooktop are to starboard. A freshwater gauge is conveniently tucked away in the cabinet above the sink.

Salon

The adjacent salon area is a retreat with an L-shaped seating area, 4’4” aft length x 10 ½’ outboard length (1.32 x 3.20 m). There’s storage above the backrests and AC registers in the soffit above. Additional air vents are located in the sofa’s leather-covered seat bases. The fixed coffee table measures 3 ½’ x 1’2” (1.07 x 0.36 m).

Here’s where two layouts are offered, depending on whether the GT45X Open will be used more as a couples’ cruiser or as an overnighter for four people. By eliminating some length of the settee on the forward end, a separate cabin can be added to port that features a pair of over/under berths in an enclosed stateroom.

Master Stateroom

Fully forward is the master stateroom with an elevated 75” x 58” (190.5 cm x 147.32 cm) island berth, allowing access from both sides. A variety of wood finishes are available to the buyer. Cedar-lined and lit hanging lockers sit to either side.

A 24” (50.8 cm) TV is mounted on the aft bulkhead. A CO detector, audio, and lighting controls are located on the opposite side of the door frame. 

Ensuite / Day Head

The master’s ensuite doubles as the GT’s day head with a connecting door to the salon area. The sink and a vanity mirror are on the starboard side, followed by the standup shower and electric head. There’s cabinetry beneath the sink and an overhead hatch above it all.

Performance

The Hatteras GT45X Open has an overall length of 44’7” (13.59 m), a beam of 16’6” (5.03 m) and a draft of 4’ (1.22 m). Our test boat was outfitted with twin 985-hp CAT C-12.9 engines turning Michigan Wheel props on straight shafts. With full fuel and four people onboard, we had an estimated test weight of 49,700 lbs. (22,544 kg).

With 10 to 15 mph winds and a decent chop, we reached an overall top speed of 36.1 knots at 2280 rpm. Backing down to 1750 rpm, we measured best economic cruising speed at 26.2 knots while burning 57 gph, for a range of 330.6 nm, all while still holding back a 10-percent reserve of the boat’s 800-gallon (3,028.32 L) total fuel capacity that feeds both the mains and the 17 kW Onan generator. The boat holds 100 gallons (379 L) of fresh water and 43 gallons (163 L) of waste.

When trolling, at 600 RPM we were going 6.7 knots while producing 1.7 nmpg.

Handling

The overall ride of the GT45X was nimble as she ran through waves with ease. With the trim tab system engaged, the pitch and roll were immediately stabilized. The GT45X Open is preset for the installation of twin Seakeeper 6 gyro stabilizers, but none were actually installed on our test boat – and we didn’t think they were necessary. 

Backing down on a simulated fish she shed water quickly out the large scuppers. Most importantly we had great response and control.

Docking

We split the controls so each engine was controlled by a single throttle and with short bursts of the engines, walked her into place. She was easy to maneuver and we used very little bow thruster.

Equipment Discussion

Engine Options

Standard Power:  2 x 838-hp Caterpillar C-12.9 diesels

Optional Power: 2 x 985-hp Caterpillar C-12.9 diesels

Price

Please contact your Hatteras dealer for pricing.

Optional Equipment to Consider

• Full tower, open, with outriggers - includes enclosure: A, B, (2ea) U-rollups
• Electronics navigation package (full tower, open).
• Bait and tackle center with drawers
• Bait freezer under mezzanine seat
• Teaser reel mounting location in helm deck hardtop
• Glass window in transom fishbox
• Teak coaming boards
• Teak covering boards
• Natural walnut interior, satin finish
• Helm deck, helm chair premium upgrades (2) - captain and starboard companion (2 chairs, includes helm chair covers)
• Teak helm pod (helm deck)
• Fiberglass pulpit with anchor chute and windlass, 1,700 pound, rope-chain with deck mount control switches
• Aluminum bow rails
• Tri-color coaming lights
• Icemaker in starboard helm deck cabinet (in lieu of standard storage)
• Eskimo ice machine - 540 lb./day
• Light colored hull paint (non-metallic)
• Twin CAT C-12.9 985 BHP diesel engines
• Electric bow thruster
• Raw water washdown outlet
• Two 12v electric reel outlets in cockpit
• Helm deck air conditioning 32,000 BTU capacity, open (standard on Express hardtop and Express flybridge models)

Observations

If there was ever a “best of all worlds” boat, then the Hatteras GT45 Express Series is certainly a representative example. Whether the interests lie in offshore fishing or cruising, these yachts can be rigged to do either, and can easily do both, seamlessly transitioning from one to the other with little more than a hosedown to facilitate the changeover.

With the addition of the GT45X Open to the Express lineup we applaud the company’s approach in taking an existing model and making it better by focusing on customer-inspired changes and incorporating the details into another exquisite boat. The Express Series allows Hatteras to offer a sub-50-footer with big boat attributes.